Brits are being urged to start growing their own vegetables as political uncertainty heightens ahead of the October 31st Brexit deadline.
Gardening expert and Gardeners' World presenter Carol Klein is encouraging the green-fingered among us to start growing edible produce in our own back yards – and it offers a bit of escapism from the Westminster debates as speculation remains over whether and how Britain will leave the EU.
'It’s natural that if people think things like fruit and veg are going to go up in price, or even not be available, then they might start thinking about growing their own,' says Carol ahead of her appearance at the Malvern Autumn Show on September 28th and 29th, where the last RHS flower show of the year takes place. 'Cultivating your garden is one of the best things to do for your health and wellbeing, and in fact can be an antidote to all the Brexit hoo-ha.'
Although it has re-emerged as a trend in recent years, the concept of 'growing your own' is certainly not new in Britain. During the 1940s, the 'Dig for Victory' campaign saw over half of households grow their own fruit and veg.
'With a bit of uncertainty about what will happen with Brexit, those people who are interested in growing but haven’t taken the plunge yet, could be thinking now is the right time to start,' Carol adds.
Growing your own produce can be a rewarding — and of course delicious — experience. From radishes, to spring onions, potatoes, herbs and spinach, you can save yourself a trip to the supermarket by growing these in your home. Best of all, they can be easily grown no matter what space you have.
Even if you don't have a garden, you can make the most of a tiny balcony by planting a range of fruits and vegetables, and you can even utilise your front door by growing veg in hanging baskets. Even your windowsill is a great place to start growing herbs.
Vegetables that are particularly suitable for smaller gardens or balconies include...
- Legumes – runner beans, broad beans, French beans and peas
- Squashes and pumpkins
- Salad leaves, herbs and tomatoes.
If you're still looking for clever ways to grow vegetables at home, a viral planting hack shows just how you can replant your own produce using cherry pips, egg shells and pepper seeds.
Carol will be at this year's Malvern Autumn Show, where visitors can learn more about giant vegetables, planting and cooking.
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